Education: Free Tuition for Smart Kids

A visit to Harvard's campus, with its severe stone buildings and hushed lecture halls, can be an intimidating introduction to the oldest university in the U.S. But for many prospective applicants, it's not the gargoyles or the geniuses that scare them away from applying to Harvard; it's the bill.

Next fall, Harvard will charge $30,275 a year to impart its brand of veritas and gravitas to students. Room and board are extra. And many of Harvard's Ivy brethren charge similar amounts.

The top schools insist they are open to all. At Harvard, families that earn less than $40,000 a year don't...